How to Use the Command 'st-info' (with Examples)

The st-info command is a utility from the STLink toolkit, particularly useful for developers and engineers working with STM32 microcontrollers. It is designed to provide comprehensive details about connected STLink and STM32 devices. Whether you are engaging in embedded systems development or troubleshooting connectivity issues, st-info allows you to extract important information about your device’s memory and other specifications, helping streamline your development process. Let’s dive into specific use cases for this command.

Use Case 1: Display Amount of Program Memory Available

Code:

st-info --flash

Motivation for using the example:

In the world of embedded systems development, understanding the memory constraints of a microcontroller is crucial. Determining the amount of program memory, or flash memory, allows developers to decide how much space is available for firmware and how to manage it efficiently. This is fundamental in ensuring that applications run smoothly without overflowing the available memory, which could lead to unexpected behavior or system crashes.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• st-info: The base command used to interface with and extract information from STM32 devices.
• --flash: This argument specifically queries the device for the available program memory, also known as flash memory. The flash memory is non-volatile and used to store the application code.

Example output:

0x20000

This output indicates that the connected STM32 device has 131,072 bytes (or 128 KB) of flash memory available for programming.

Use Case 2: Display Amount of SRAM Memory Available

Code:

st-info --sram

Motivation for using the example:

SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) is key for storing temporary data used by a program. It is where variables, stack, and buffers reside during program execution. Knowing the available SRAM allows developers to manage data handling and processing needs. By understanding the available SRAM, developers can optimize memory usage, avoiding overuse that could lead to performance degradation or runtime errors.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• st-info: This command continues to operate as a communication tool between the user’s computer and the STM32 device.
• --sram: This argument retrieves the size of the SRAM available in the STM32 device. Understanding the SRAM capacity helps in planning dynamic memory allocation and managing data effectively.

Example output:

0x5000

This output shows that the device has 20,480 bytes (or 20 KB) of SRAM memory, which gives an insight into how much memory space is available for running and temporary storage purpose of the application.

Use Case 3: Display Summarized Information of the Device

Code:

st-info --probe

Motivation for using the example:

When beginning a new project or troubleshooting connectivity issues, it’s beneficial to have summarized information about the connected device. The --probe command provides a quick overview, which can include the device ID, flash memory, SRAM capacities, and more. Such a summary allows users to verify that they are interfacing with the correct device and can help expedite the initial setup phase of the development process.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• st-info: Used to collect and display device-related information.
• --probe: The argument that initiates a comprehensive scan and summarizes the relevant information about the STM32 device. This includes key details such as device part number, family, memory sizes, and other vital specifications.

Example output:

Found 1 stlink programmers
 type: V2J29M18
 board: STM32F407
 flash: 1048576
 sram: 131072
 chipid: 0x413
 descr: F4 device

The output gives a detailed profile of the device, indicating the programmer’s type, board type, total flash memory, SRAM, chip ID, and a description of the device. This information facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the device’s capabilities and constraints.

Conclusion

The st-info command is an essential tool for those working with STM32 devices, offering detailed insights into the device’s memory and specifications. By providing clear information on program memory, SRAM and offering an overall device summary, it allows developers to make informed decisions and streamline debugging and development processes. Understanding and utilizing these specific use cases can significantly benefit embedded system projects, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness in device management and software integration.